Saints make decisions on their restricted free agents

The New Orleans Saints announced decisions on three restricted free agents as the league's new year began at 4 p.m. eastern time on Wednesday. As reported by multiple sources, the team declined to make offers to wideout Tommylee Lewis and defensive back Rickey Jefferson, making them unrestricted free agents. The Saints did offer the lowest restricted tender to cornerback Ken Crawley however, 1-yr. at approximately 2 million dollars.

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The 26-yr. old Crawley entered the league with New Orleans in 2016 as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado. He has 1 career interception, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovery, and 128 tackles in 38 games, starting 23. After what looked to be a potential breakout season in 2017 at cornerback, Crawley regressed badly in '18, leading to him being benched by midseason. The Saints are now free to match any contract offer to Crawley from another team, but will not receive compensation if he signs elsewhere.

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Tommylee Lewis also came to the Saints as an undrafted rookie in 2016. Primarily a return specialist, Lewis averaged 9.3 yards per punt return and 22 yards per kickoff return during his time in New Orleans. He also caught 20 passes for 252 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver, but never emerged as the big play threat the team had envisioned.